Remove and Replace RV Countertop - RV Makeover

Lance, I love that you're explaining the basics. Because my dad works with wood, I know what a biscuit is, but so many people need teachers to start from the very beginning. This is great!

Thanks! I just inherited a new to me motorhome and was looking for counter top ideas and this is perfect!

Thanks! looking for a good countertop ideas this would work great for our build see you in the next one!👍✨

Good job! This was a very useful video as I plan on doing mine too soon. It was very helpful seeing how the counter came off and what held it in place. Its scary to work on RVs as they are so fragile. Thank you!

Some ideas I want to share:
1. I used to think biscuit joining was a strong bond, but after reading this blog, not so sure anymore. Apparently, gluing up the boards is sufficiently strong. Some cauls during gluing will evenly distribute force for glue. Cauls are support strips used with the clamps. Improvise with some wood laying around. The biscuit joiner is the least used tool in your garage and I don't think its worth the money. They often don't line up either. I would advise against acquiring a took that is seldom used.
2. The propane torch I use has auto ignition and costs $40 at Home Depot. Great tool!!! I use it for vaporizing old cobwebs (please don't hurt spiders or new webs), killing off weeds, softening up old paint on wood before stripping, toasting wood either lightly or full on shou sugi ban, and of course, creme brulee in the kitchen. Super useful tool.
3. I like to age wood using an angle grinder ($119 new, $79 refurbished Bosch 5", paddle switch, variable speed, dual handle, and Leave On button). Great tool, best tool in my workshop. I buy Wire Cup (not Wheel) Brush attachments from Harbor Freight for $5. You can get the Crimped or Knotted - both are very useful. These not only remove rust, polish metal, but also 'sand' the wood aggressively. The wire brush eats away at the soft parts of the wood and leaves the hard grain standing out. It gives wood texture and depth, especially on edges and corners. Glue, then sand down any large splinters which may form. Edges should be very textured but not snag on clothing or poke you. MUST WEAR GOGGLES ($2 at HF) and apron for metal wires flying off. DO NOT DO THIS WITHOUT EYE PROTECTION. This wire brush also strips wood much faster and cheaper than my hand sander, if I am removing paint or old finish. Don't use this on fine furniture, and finish off with regular sander on furniture.
4. Also useful is the Nylon cup brush for final 'sanding' to remove burrs from furrows or for softer applications. Do not exceed 2500 RPM or Nylon will melt.
5. Finish up with propane torch to burn off any fine burr hairs from the wire brush technique and splinters, and to warm up a white wood like pine. Softer woods like pine, fir, spruce, redwood, cedar give lovely aged effects. Harder tighter grain like mahogany, oak, do not. These softer woods when toasted, enhance the natural grain pattern. Don't try to burn beech, maple, oak, or similar - you get spotty results, that look like camouflage - not pretty.
6. Varathane Oil Stains like Classic or Slate Grey + Dark Walnut or English Chestnut work best for aging wood. I like to finish off with Varathane Oil based Satin Clear Interior Polyurethane thinned 50/50 with Mineral Spirits or Paint Thinner - 2 - 5 coats. Brush this in with a cheap brush, forcing it into the crevices. After 15 mins, wipe off excess with paper towels. Let dry for 2-3 hrs till completely dry then recoat. The end result is water proof, chip proof, stain proof, mold proof and very durable. Thinning it out, makes it soak into wood to strengthen it.

I thought I would share this. I did an IKEA pine table and it turned out very well. Now I plan to do this finish on on my RV kitchen counter which will be built with pine boards, for a rustic French Provencal Farmhouse effect. These tools are extremely useful every day. Don't hesitate.

Hello, what size and type of wood did you use?

What was the name of the stain you used?

We are changing out our rv countertops too! We need something lightweight but also stylish. Love your rv! -Ben and Ang

What did you use for the backslash

Beautiful upgrade! Jenny - where did you get that amazing tshirt (sun/moon/universe/1976)? That kinda says it all! Thanks for all your videos, guys.

great video! but you say under $100..... no way i know this vid is before biden an covid but now its cheaper to just buy a butcher block counter top an cut it up

Your wife is beautiful

What color of paint did you use on your cabinets. Please!

You did this the hard way....just rip the old countertops off with a heavy hammer, the screws just pop out of the old partical board countertops, then grind off screws sticking up with grinder. Takes 30 seconds! Also use corian instead of wood. Corian is great, easy to work, saw, route out sinks, and sand and polish. easy peesie. I find used corian from folks remodeling cheap!